ReviewBaselworld: Everything you need to know about the biggest watch fair of the year
The Watch Guide Explains The World's Largest Luxury Watch Fair With a Bonus Top 5 FAQ's Answered Just For You
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The Swiss luxury watch and jewellery show, Baselworld 2017 showcases the biggest conglomerate of brands launching their latest collection of watches and jewellery. The launches made at Baselworld determine the luxury sector for the year. Such is the power of the Baselworld exhibition!
This year, The Watch Guide brings you a quick introduction to what Baselworld is all about. We’re also going to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Baselworld. We hope that this will help you get a better understanding of the watch industry and also acknowledge the immense hype that surrounds it.
What is Baselworld?
For all of you who have joined us only this year, Baselworld or the Basel Fair is undisputedly the most premier event that brings together global players in the watch and jewelry sector. This year Baselworld is taking place from 23rd to 30th March 2017. Being at the heart of whole industry, Baselworld spreads its message throughout the entire world, reinforcing its leadership position year after year. Brands come together to set the tone of the trends for next year.
How big is the show?
Covering almost 1.5 million square feet in several buildings, it is a week-long affair with around 1500 companies and more than 150,000 guests and 3,600 journalists visiting from all across the globe. No wonder it is called the “biggest” and “grandest” watch fair of the year.
Why is it important?
With almost 1500 companies showcasing and launching their latest collections, Baselworld basically sets the trends of watches and jewelry for the upcoming year. Hence making it a very important event to keep your eyes glued to. From larger than life booths with watches that show off the brand’s latest creations and techniques, to watch connoisseurs from around the world who eagerly seek the newest from each brand, Baselworld is like the Paris Fashion Week for watches.
Which Brands attend the show?
You get to see a plethora of luxury brands at Baselworld with a major focus on Rolex, Omega, TAG Heuer, Breitling, Patek Philippe, and Breguet. Top jewelry and fashion houses with a strong presence in the world of watches such as Chopard, Harry Winston, Hermès, Bulgari, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci and Dior also show their latest creations. Some companies that supply manufacturers also exhibit. If you’re wondering why brands like Cartier, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Panerai do not display their latest launches during Baselworld, it’s because several brands from the Richemont Group have their own show in Geneva called the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, or SIHH which takes place at the beginning of year sometime in January.
What exactly happens at Baselworld?
Leading buyers and retailers from all over the world meet with the brands, see the new collections and place orders for the watches they intend to retail for the year. Along with that, there are press conferences for the new launches and releases which are distributed to the media.
Now, let’s talk answer some interesting FAQ’s we get asked all the time about Baselworld.
1. Is Baselworld open to the public?
Yes, along with retailers and the press, the event is open to all. You can purchase tickets online in advance from their official site. The cost varies from year to year. For 2017 the tickets cost 60 Swiss Francs (roughly Rs 3,960 ) for one day pass and 150 Swiss Francs (roughly Rs 9,901) for the entire show.
2. Can you buy watches at Baselworld?
As the central theme of the event is an exhibition and showcase of the latest watches and jewellery collection from luxury brands, hence one cannot buy a watch at the show. It does not cater to retail sales at all. All watches and jewelry are displayed in glass cases for public viewing which is not allowed to be removed from their cases. Member of the trade and press are however allowed to view individual pieces with pre-arranged appointments in closed rooms behind tight security.
3. What will I see at the show?
The show unveils the latest watches and jewellery collection displayed in building-size, multi-storeyed booths that are curated especially for the show which takes 20,000 workers six weeks to set everything up.
4.If I plan to go there, how should I plan my trip?
Like any trip, it is always better to plan ahead. As the eyes of the world is going to be in Basel, it is imperative to get in early with the hotel and flight bookings. If Basel is overbooked, one can always stay at Zurich or nearby. It is properly connected by train services hence, travelling to and from Basel will not be difficult. However, please do note that the train services do not run all night, so it would be better if you plan your time accordingly.
5. How can I find my way around the show?
Stretching almost 1.5 million square feet in several buildings, it is easy to get lost at the watch fair. However, the Baselworld App is the best way to navigate in and around the area. It is a free app available for Apple, Android and Blackberry devices. Easy to use, the app includes information on the exhibitors with detailed, zoomable 3D maps along with additional valuable information. You can download it at the official site or through any of the app stores.
Now that you know everything you have to know about the biggest watch event of the year, stay tuned for more updates, latest releases at The Watch Guide or simply follow us on Instagram for all the latest stories and updates from the world of watches.
